I am now seven weeks into my Total Knee Replacement (TKR) journey. Boy oh boy this is hard. If you are considering TKR, I recommend you talk to many different people, because everyone recovers differently. But if I can be of help by telling you my story, I am glad to. Let’s talk about Total Knee Replacement – My Journey.
Decisions, Decisions
What brought on my need for TKR? Well at 66 years old I can only assume it was a collection of many things; high school cheerleading, high heel shoes in my twenties and thirties, running half marathons in my fifties and sixties. All of these or just one of them could be factors in the onset of arthritis and the demise of the cartilage in my right knee.
The pain in my knee began several weeks after I completed a half marathon. I did not have pain leading up to that run or during that run. It came on suddenly several weeks after. I rested, iced and stopped running for a few months. But the pain continued. Over a period of two years I had several cortisone shots and one hyaluronic acid shot and did a lot of physical therapy. My attempts to get back to running only brought the pain back. And so it was time to make some decisions.
I Love Running
The realization that I was no longer a runner was a mental and emotional blow to me. I love to run. It is therapy for me. It also provided me the activity I needed to lose and maintain weight loss. I felt healthier in my early sixties than I had my entire life. But the pain was too much. I decided on surgery.
But as soon as I stopped running, and was doing long walks instead, most of the pain subsided. I kept wondering if I could delay surgery longer. How much longer? Since we travel so much, I was concerned about unexpected crippling pain while I was abroad. I just didn’t think I should take the chance. So, we blocked out six months for me to tackle the surgery.
Listen
Yes you should listen to your doctor. You should also listen to people you know who have been through TKR. And most of all you should listen to your body. Despite the fact that I am generally in very good shape, and have a normal positive outlook, I still have had a difficult recovery from surgery. Everyone is different. While some people are walking around at two weeks and driving at three, other people are still struggling at 4 months or more. Don’t assume anything, your body will tell you what kind of recovery you will have. Dig in and work hard. Don’t rush.
What I learned
I learned that my usual high pain tolerance would be put to the test with this invasive and difficult surgery.
I learned that the first 48 hours would be the easiest of the entire journey and that week two and three would be the worst.
I learned that pain killers are your friend, and don’t try to be macho and not take them. This surgery is by far the most painful thing I have ever done.
I learned working hard ahead of surgery on quad strength is imperative, and doing pre-hab physical therapy is a really good idea.
I learned that everyone is different – a buckling of the knee post surgery has plagued me since the beginning. This is unusual but not unheard of and has caused me a longer recovery.
I learned how much I would need my home caregiver for so many things, especially in the first few weeks. My husband has been an angel and I salute those of you who have recovered without a live in mate.
I learned that constant physical therapy starting immediately after surgery is painful but necessary. Slow but steady progress will come out of that work. I do PT at a clinic twice a week and at home 2-3 times a day. It’s important to be dedicated to this work no matter how much it hurts.
What’s Next?
I plan to continue my physical therapy into July…four months after surgery. Why? Luckily I have good insurance that will allow me that, and because I want to be as strong and as normal as possible by the end of the summer. We plan to start international travel again on September 1st. My entire focus is being ready by that date.
I don’t expect to be perfect by then, generally recovery continues for most people up to a year. But by September 1st I want to be walking properly, hiking carefully and able to endure a long flight. These are my goals, for my travel life, my future health and a Total Knee Replacement- My Journey.
Total Knee Replacement – My Journey
I am grateful to all my friends and family who have reached out with love and kindness. And grateful to those of you who have inquired to my journey, asked questions and are interested in my story. This blog post is for you. Happy to answer any questions in the comments or in a private message.
Thanks as always for you continued love and support.
